Sam Gawenda: Doing Hard Things Matters More Than School Results

Hey, help shape the Podcast! To keep improving the podcast, we’d love to know a little more about you. We’ve created a quick 2-question survey that takes about 10 seconds. As a thank you, you’ll go into the draw to win a $100 prize from July, the incredible luggage company (drawn on April 30). 👉 Complete the survey: https://forms.gle/nK52PuGAdpQtBmjB9 What happens if you leave school early and don’t follow the “expected” path? For Sam Gawenda, everything still worked out. In this episode of More Than a Score, we sit down with Sam to explore what success looked like when he stepped off the traditional path. From leaving school in Year 11 to becoming a bricklayer, moving into mortgage broking, building and selling a business, and now entering a new chapter, Sam’s pathway is a powerful reminder that success is rarely linear and is often unique to us. But this conversation goes deeper than career pathways. It's about the mindset behind the choices, and how Sam chooses to show up and connect with people, his willingness to do hard things, even when fear is present, and the role of mentors, relationships, and environment in shaping who we become. And the realisation that success isn’t something you achieve once—it’s something you redefine over time. We also explore a powerful and often overlooked idea—rites of passage—and what’s missing for many young people today as they navigate the transition into adulthood and a career. For parents, students, and anyone questioning whether they’re “on the right path,” this episode offers reassurance, perspective, and practical insight. Because no single score or decision defines your future. 🎧 What You’ll Hear • Why leaving school early didn’t limit Sam’s success—and what mattered more • The non-linear journey from trade to building and selling a business • Why doing hard, uncomfortable things is essential for growth • The role of mentors, relationships, and environment in shaping identity • How early experiences influence your mindset around money, freedom, and success • What it really means to “have a crack” and back yourself • Why modern life is missing meaningful rites of passage—and why that matters • How to model courage, resilience, and growth as a parent • The importance of focusing on vision over process Know someone else with a unique or interesting path? Share it with us at morethanascorepod@gmail.com!